Chicago business barometer surged to 60.5 in September from 49.2 in August. Economists had forecast the index at 51.0. The University of Michigan's index of consumer sentiment dropped more than expected in September, falling to 76.9 from 89.1 in August. Another government report showed U.S. consumer spending dropped a larger-than-expected 0.5 percent in August, the biggest decline since November 2001.
